Paper making machine



Dec. 29, 1931.

G. s. WlTHAM, SR

PAPER MAKING MACHINE 3 Sheets-Sheet 2' Filed July 11, 1929 7%; a 'd- (Ittor egs,

Gusta y a M ii i uw..H 1. ....q. F u

Patented Dec. 29, 1931 qnonen s. "wni i iniyr, si on nunson FAIL-LS, nnwyonx 'rni nn MAKING MACHINE Application .:fi1 e,d July 11,192 Serialllo. 377,373.

My invention relates to paper:making .machines, and cmore particularly to means and methods for forming a cut tor slit automatically in a paper web for the purpose of ,pre ,venting theextensionor spreadingof a tear previously formed therein; i

' :1 the me l repe a ing mach n the .p aper yveb is formed .upon aendlesst aveling screen known as a .Eourdrinier screen, and h W b t formed i t en ss s d be w n epai dou 01 ndthence ata an endless felt conveyor which feeds the web between the several pressland calender rolls. When the Web passes from the Fourdrinier screen to the first felt conveyor, the web is still someWha-tdamp and oflittle mechanical strength, so that it ist not uncommon for breaks or-tears to, occur. Whensucha break ,or tear occurs, it usually extends from one side edge of the eb inw ar dly and may result in thedropping of the torn portion of the Web between the couch rolls andtheafelt con- Yeyer. If this occurs, the--tearic'ontinuesto .spreadalong the eb which is beingferrned;

For theupnrp oseof arresting ,the' spread of .sucha tear, it has been common pliactice to intentionally forin a cut or slit in the .Web, 116,011: extending from the longitudinal center line thereof diagonally to the side edge adjacent which the tear is located. lnntrhis Way a lead strip or --tail end is formed which leads the Wll intact between the. couch ro s and itne breaker. tear inthe eb-isconntly'cQnfined-to asnalliarea V Y @ne way of forming such an intentional vcut or slitwis to direct a line, high velocity fluid jet upon the relatively soft Web and to manually move the i lo zzle from which the jet emerges from'the centerof theuweb diagonally towards the side edge thereof .adja-Y cent which the break has formed. This ,n ethod is subject to several disadvantages, the chief of which is that, since tl ie web is traveling at an appreciable speed, abreak, when once started, will extend along the Web for a considerable distance before @an operator can reach the screen and form the tear arresting slit. I

A1 bject a my ant n ae t y-o erc m this disadvantage thIOtlglltllG provision of a normally inactive nozzle located abovezthe i w b and approx at ym way be we it e Side edges thereof, ,and means automatically cperable when atear.v or break iorrnson either side of the Web for bringingthenonnle into i action toiemit a fluid jet .to mpinge nponand to cut the Web; and atthesame jtir nevto move the nozzle transversely of the direction of feed of the Web and towards the sideofthe .Web having the tear so as tozform a. diagonal slit and aresultantllead strip ortailend.

i Other objects of the invention will become apparent from a reading of the following description, the appended claims, and the several ,vieWs illustrated in the, drawings, i

which V F gure l s a central vertical' longitudinal sect onal VIGWV'Of a Fourdrlmerscreen and associated: parts of a pap er malring machine,

and w ng my nv n i n a in connection therew th; V

Figure 2 is avievvin elevation ofa pairiof .suetion boxes, and associatedvacuum p unps;

,-Figure ,3 1s aqtransverse -vertical sectional view taken onthe line 3:3 of Figure l Eigureisa to p plan view oftheannaratus i embodying my invention;

F gure 5 s a sectional V ew taken onthe line 5.5"of Figurel; j

Figure 6 1s avdlagram of electrical connecs tion's; Figure 7 is .a detail view of a pressure gauge and switch; Figure 8 i's'adetail view in fr ont elevation embi nei find less felt ebf-feeder or conveyor 4 arranged to travelqaround rollers. 57' is disposed in advance of, the couch ,rolls '2 land in substantial alinement With the Fonrdrinier screen. A: paper web Gformedon the F our- 1 drinier screen in the usual manner is led between the couch rolls 2 and thence onto the felt conveyor 4 bet-ween press rolls 7 and thence from the felt conveyor to another conveyor 7a which feeds the web to additional web treating machinery.

Referring to Figure 1, 6a designates a torn portion of the web which has fallen bet-ween the lower couch roll 2 and the adjacent roller 5 and 6 and 6 respectively represent the opposite side edges of the web. It is apparent that further feeding of the web to the right as viewed in Figure 1 will result in the tear in the web being extended indefinitely.

For automatically forming a cut in the web tointercept and arrest the extension of this tear, I provide a cutting device C, means I) mounting the cutting device for movement transversely of the direction of feed of the web, means E for moving the cutting device transversely in either direction, and controlling means F for automatically bringing the moving means into action when the web tears.

The cutting device C includes a normally inactive nozzle 12 adapted to discharge a fluid jet, a fixed fluid supply line 13 located centrally of the web, a flexible connection 14 between the nozzle and the supply line, and a solenoid operated valve 14a for controlling the flow of fluid from the flexible connection to the nozzle. For mounting the nozzle for movements transversely of the direction of feed of the web, I provide the means D which includes a pair of spaced parallel rods 15 disposed above and extending across the web transversely to the direction of feed and sup ported on the frame B and a carriage 16 to which the valve and nozzle are attached, this carriage being mounted on the rods for sliding movements transversely of the web in either direction.

The means E for moving the carriage and the nozzle transversely of the web includes a pair of sprocket wheels 17 and 17a disposed on opposite sides of the web and positioned approximately midway between the rods 15. These sprocket wheels are supported on shafts 18 journalled in brackets 19 supported on the frame B. An endless chain 20 is arranged to move about the sprocket wheels and is connected to the carriage 16 for moving the latter when the sprocket wheels are rotated. A reversible electric motor 21 carried by the frame is arranged to rotate the sprocket wheel 17 by means of driving connections interposed between the latter and the motor, these driving connections including a shaft 22 journalled in a bracket 23 on the frame, cooperating gears 24: and 25 respectively secured to the motor shaft andto the shaft 22, a clutch 26 interposed between the shaft 22 and the shaft 18, and a manually operable lever 27 for controlling the clutch.

It will be observed that when the motor is rotated in one direction the chain 20 will move the carriage 16 and the nozzle 12 from the normal position adjacent the center of the web toward one side edge thereof, whereas, when the motor is rotated in the opposite direction, the carriage and the nozzle will be moved to the opposite side edge of the web.

In order that the nozzle will be automatically brought into action to discharge a fluid jet upon the web and also moved to ward the side edge of the web adjacent which a tear has occurred, I have provided the automatic controlling means F which is associated with the motor and with the web, and is operable when a tear forms in the web to automatically open the solenoid valve to introduce water into the nozzle from the flexible connection 14, and also to automatically move the nozzle transversely of the web in the direction of the tear simultaneously with the continued feed of said web. To this end, it is necessary that either the motor be reversible or that, if it is desired to use a motor adapted to run in one direction only, reversing gears be interposed between the motor and the driven sprocket 17. In the present instance, I have illustrated a reversible motor of conventional type which is provided with three terminals. One of these terminals is connected to one side 23 of a power line through a conductor 29, and mechanically operated switches 30 and 31 which are interposed in this conductor are adapted, when open, to disconnect the motor from the side 28 of the power line for a purpose to be hereinafter described. One of the other motor terminals is adapted to be connected to the other side 32 of the power line through the medium of a conductor 33, and the remaining terminal is adapted to be connected to said side 32 of the line through the medium of a separate conductor 34.

The solenoid valve 15a for controlling the flow of fluid to the nozzle may be of any suitable type as regards its mechanical construction, and it is therefore unnecessary to show or describe the details thereof. It is, however, desirable that the solenoid include two separate coil windings 35 and 36 interposed respectively in the conductors 33 and 3 1 so that, when either of the coils is energized by the passage of a current through the associ ated conductor, the solenoid plunger will be moved to open the valve. Combined pressure gauges ano. electrical twitches 37 and 38 are respectively interposed in the conductors 33 and 34 and are normally open so that current will not flow through the coils of the solenoid and the motor windings.

The switches 37 and 38 are adapted to be operated by fluid pressure by means to be later described, and each includes a casing 39, a stationary contact element 40 carried by the casing but insulated therefrom, a movable pressure responsive pointer 41 jour- 'ptated in ,a counter clockwise -direction- ,as

inalled." for pivotal movements-with respect to the. casing but insulated ,-'t herefrom,; and; a movable contact-element42 carried by the pointer and adapted, when the latteris; ro-

of the solenoid will be energized, thus open- 1 ing the valve, andthemotorwill runin one direction,-.whereas, if the switch 38 is closed, the coil 36 will beenergizedto open the valve and themotor will be'run in-the other direction,

In order that the propenc'ne of the switches 1.

3'1 and 38 will be closed .to movethe nozzle in thedirection of a break inthe web, Iprovide a pair of suction boxes 43 and 44-positioned erably located in advance of the couch rolls. The suctionboxes are arranged-to extend respectively, from opposite sides of the Web to ithe longitudinal center; line thereof, and each is provided with a perforated upper plate. 45 over which the felt conveyor 4- carrying the web moves. Vacuum pumps 46and 4, (are respectively connected/co the. suctionboxes 43 -resting the movement of thenozzlewhen the ;It .is desirable that meansmbe provided for xautomatically closing the valvefi5aand al= latter has been moved from its -:normal posiltlOIlrtO a point beyond the side edge rofthewveb adjacent which ,a break has occurred.

,ated switches.30 and 31 is. provided iwitlnay. stationary contact element -52 carried by;a .bracket 53 supported on the frame Abut-in- Io this-endeachof the mechanically opersulatedtherefrom, and a movable spring contact-finger 54 secured at one end to an insulat- -ingblock55 on thebracket53,and havinga portion extending downwardly 1 towards the chainQO, which portion is adapted to be. engagedby a projection56 on the chain. This,

jiftthe chainismoved to bring the projection and 44 through .the mediumof pipes 48 and 49 fol-maintaining a vacuum in the suction oxes. The vacuumpumps are run at a con- .stant speed so that thedegree of vacuum ---within eachof the suction boxesis dependent upon the continued existence ofan un- .56 into engagement with the spring finger 54- ,.in cooperative relatlonto the web and preflustrated in Fi ure 3 :thus 0 enin the..con-

. b 7 i D ,nection between the motor and the. side 28. of the power l1ne,.arrest1ng the movement of;

of-the switchw31, the finger will. beinoved away from the stationary Contact 52. as ildirection to bringthc projection 56..iuto engagement with. the movable vfinger of. the;=; switch 30, thel atter will be opened, the motor stopped, and the valveclosed.

"For return ng the nozzle to its normal positionat the center of theweb, I have;provided amanually operable crank 57 attached broken web on the conveyor/f above the top plates 45 of the boxes, leis-apparent that,

whena tear occurs in'the web on either. side of the center line thereof, this break will,

.when it passes over; the-associated. suction box, result. in the breaking of the vacuum therein. In order that this breaking ofthe vacuum be utilized-to eflfect a closing of one of the switches. 37,38,the suctionbox 43is arranged to communicate. with the pressure responsive pointer 41 in the; gauge 37 by means of a pipe. 50, and the suction box 44 is arranged to communicate with the pointer in Ithegauge SSbymeansof a;pi pe[51.' Thus,

' r if a break occursdn the web between the .cen-

ter thereof and the left hand s'ide'edge as viewed in:Figures 2and 5, the vacuum will be broken in the suction box 43 and the pointer 41 ofthe valve 37 will bemovedto bringthe contact element 42 against the contact .eleflow T If,-on the. other hand, abreak occurs. on the .to the sprocket wheel 17. When it is desired to. return the-nozzle to its normal position,

the clutch 26 is disengaged by means of the manually. operable, lever 27 and the sprocket then rotated by meansof the Wheel 171is crank.

Although the operation of the automatic web mending device described herein should be clear from the foreg0ing, it may be briefly stated .as follows.

right, as viewedin Figure 1, and thence on theweb it is likely that thebroken end will 11c It .is assumed that the ,web is traveling "from. the Fourdrinier screen toward the fall down ,between the couch rolls and the conveyor .4. Assuming that the break has occurred .ontheleft hand side of the web as viewed in Figures 3 and 4 and at the back of Figure 1, the opening in the web leftby i the broken end 6a will, in time, pass over the .suction box 43. ,This will result. inthe breaking of the vacuum therein sothat the switch 87 willbe closed, thus energizing the coil 35 .etherside of the web,:the-switch 38 will-bev closed, thusopening the valve ;.in-a,sim1lar .manner and moving-,theinozzle transversely and opening the valve to start the nozzle 12- .to discharge a fluid jet upon theweb, and

simultaneously the motor will start to run in a. direction to move thenozzle 12toward the left. as .viewed, in Figures 3..and 4 and toward the'rear. as viewedin Figure 1. ,In-y

asmuch as the web is being fed, this movement of the nozzle will form diagonal cut in the web which will extend from the center of the web to the side edge 6 adjacent which the tear has occurred. The tail end or lead strip thus formed will then lead the intact web through the couch rolls, and the torn portion 6a which has thus been severed from the web will drop, and further spreading of the tear will cease. Nhen the nozzle has passed beyond the edge 6 of the web adjacent vhich the tear occurred, the projection 56 on the chain will open the switch 30 and the valve will be closed and the motor stopped. The operator will then disengage the clutch 2G and return the nozzle to its normal position by means of the crank 57. In a similar manner, if a break occurs on the other side edge 6 of the web, the switch 38 will be closed, the coil 36 will be energi ed to open the valve, and the motor will be run in a reverse direction and will thereby move the nozzle toward the right as viewed in Figures 3 and i and toward the front as viewed in Figure 1. After the nozzle has passed beyond the side edge 6 of the web, the switch 31. will be opened to close the valve and arrest the movement of the nozzle.

From the foregoing, it is apparent that, through the provision of means for automatically arresting the progression or extension of a tear in a paper web, I have eliminated many of the plisadvantages attendant with web mending devices formerly employed. Even though the machine be not under the direct attention of an operator, the formetion of a tear in a web will be so quickly corrected that there is no danger of the tor" end of the web getting mixed in with or fouling the machinery. The device is simple in construction and therefore permits low cost installation and is of little trouble to opera to and to maintain.

It will be observed that by my invention 1 preserve the continuity of the sheet in a paper making machine when a break occurs by downwardly directing upon the movin sheet a jet of a squirt and automatically propelling the squirt over the sheet so as to in tercept the break and form a lead strip and also that l downwardly direct upon the paper making wire a jet of a squirt and simultaneously automatically propel the squirt transversely over the sheet to sever the broken poi" tion before it completely parts the sheet, the combined movement of the sheet and squirt producing a gradual y broadeninglead strip.

1 claim:

1. In a paper making machine, he combination with n'ieans for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transw-rseiy of the direction of feed thereof; and means automatically operable when the web breaks for moving said cutting means transversely of the Web.

2. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof; means for moving said cutting means transversely of the web; and controlling means automatically operable whcn the web breaks for bringing said moving means into action to move said cutting means transversely of the web.

3. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof, said means being normally positioned approximately midway between the side edges of the web; means for moving said cutting means transverse ly of the web; and controlling means automatically operable when the web breaks on one side of the longitudinal center thereof for bringing said moving means into action to move said cutting means transversely 'of the web in the direction of the break therein.

l. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feeo thereof, said means being normally positioned approxin'iately midway between the side edges of the web; means for moving said cutting means transversely of the Web; and controlling means automatically operable when the web breaks on one side of the loogitudinal center thereof for bringing said moving means into action to move said cutting means transverseiy of the web in the direction of the break therein and for automatically arresting the movement of said cutting means when the latter has passed beyond the edge of the web adjacent the break therein.

5. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof, said means being normally positioned approximately midway between the side edges of the web; means for moving said cutting means transversely of the web; and controlling means having cooperative relation with the web between one side edge and the longitudinal center line thereof, and automatically operable when a portion of the web adjacent said controlling means breaks for bringing); said moving means into action to move said cutting means transversely of the web towards said side edge thereof.

6. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof, said means being normally positioned approximately midway between the side edges of the web; means for moving said cutting means transversely of the'we'b and separate controlling means re spectively arrangediin' cooperative relation with the web onoppositesidesbf the; longitudinal centerline thereof, one of: said: controlling means being automatically operablewhenaportion of; the webon one sideof said center line and adjacent saidmeans-breaksfor bringing said moving means into action. 'to move said cuttingmeans transversely of the web in the direction ofthe brealnand the other of said controlling means being operable when the web'breaks on the'other side of the center line for bringingsaid moving means into action 'tomove: said cutting means in the direction of-thebreak.

7. In a paper making machine. thecom bination with means forfeeding a paper web of means iorxcutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed'thereof; means for moving said cutting means transversely oftheweb a suction boX- positioned for cooperation with saidweb ;'and pressure responsive means associated with said suction box andwith said moving means and automatically operable up on thebreaking of'the vacuum in said suction box for bring ing said movingnieans into action to-move said'cutting means transversely of the web.

8. In a paper making machine, the combination'withmeans for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved'transversely of the direction of feed thereof; means for moving said cutting ;ineanstransversely of the web; a suctionbox' positioned for "cooperation with said web; pressure responsive-means associated with said suctionboxand" with said moving means and automatically operableupon-the breaking of the vacuum in said suction box for bringing said moving means into action to move said cutting means transversely of the webyandmeans for automatically arresting the movement of said cutting-means when the latter has passed beyond the edge of the web adjacent the break therein;

9. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a'paper web V of means 'for cutting said web and adapted be moved transversely of thedirectio-n of feed thereof, said means being normally positioned approximately mid-way between the do edges of the web; means for moving'said cutting means transversely of the Web 5 two snetionboXes respectively positioned for cooperation with the portions of said'web on opposite sidesof the 'longitudinal'center line thereof; and a. pressureresponsive means associated with each suction box and with to" said moving meansyeach ofsaid pressure responsive means being automatically operable upon thebieaking ofthe vacuum in the associated suction box "for bringing said'moving means into action to move said cutting'means ootransversely of the web and across the side portion thereof with which: said suction box: is=associatedi r 10. a paper making'machine, the combination with means for feeding al paper, web; :of'means for cutting said'iwebi and adapt- 79 ed to: bGBlOVQCl" transversely of the direction of" feet thereon said means beinnormally-1 positionedi approximately midway between; the sid'eed'ges of: the web; means formovingu said cutting meanstransversely of the web; two suction boxes ifespcctively positionedfor cooperation with: the portionssof said webion oppositewsides of the longitudinal: center line thereof; a. pressure responsive means :assoe' ciated with each. suction box and with said 9 moving:means eacli: of said pressureresponsive meansbeing:automatically-operable: uponf thebrea'kingz'of' the vacuuni in the associated suction: box a for bringing said: moving means into-actiontosmove saidcutting means trans t 5=- verselyi of. the web and acrossthesidepontion thereof with which said suctionwboxis associated;. andpineans for automatically arresting}themovement of saidicuttingrmeans 7 when the. latter: hascpassed beyond: the; side" 99 edfgie oit' the web. 1

11.. In: a. paper makin machine; the com':-- bination withmeansfor ieedinga paper web 0t meansfor cuttingisaida web-and adapted V toibe:movedtransverselyof the direction; of feedlthereof, said means beingnormally positinned: approximately midway between: the side: edges o-f'the web meansfor-movingsaid" cutting means transversely of the'web controllingrmeans automatically operable when lot the 'web breaks on one side of-thelongitudinal center thereof? for bringing: said moving means-into actiona to move said cuttingmeans transversely: of the webin the-direction of" therbrealrtherein andlforautomatically arloo restingrthemovement of said cutting means- Whem tlievlattenhas' passed beyond the edge" of the web'adj aoent the-break therein; and means for returning: said cuttin 'means to its'normalposition." r

- 125' In a paper making-machine, the combi-- nation. with meansfor feeding a paper web of: means: for cutting-'1 said web;- movable means mounting said cutting'means ini cooperative relation to said weband for move-* mentstransversely" of the direction of feed: thereof, a said 1 cutting means being normallypo'sitione'd: approximately midway betwee n theside edges of said web; areversible motor; drivingrconnections between saidmotor and said movable means an electrical power supply line ;fielectrical connections between said moton andsaid: power line includin a: normally'openswitch' adapted when 0 osed'to supply the motor with current'to operate the motor to move said cutting'means-in one dlr" rectiontransversely of the direction-of feed of thexweb, and a second normally-open switch adapted. when closed to operatexthe motors inl thiereverse dii'eetionto move-said cuttingmeans in the opposite direction; and separate means in cooperative relation wlth the respective side portions of said web and adapted to close the respective switches, one of said means being operable for closing the associated switch when the web breaks on one side of the center thereof and the other of said means being operable for closing the other switch when the web breaks on the opposite side of the center thereof.

13. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of a normally inactive nozzle positioned in cooperative relation with the web and adapted to discharge a fluid jet upon said web to out the latter, said nozzle being adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed of the web; and means automatically 0perable when the web breaks for moving said cutting means transversely of the web and for automatically bringing said nozzle into action to cut the web.

' 14. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of a normally inactive nozzle positioned in cooperative relation with the web and adapted to discharge a fluid jet upon said web to cut the latter, said nozzle being adapted to' be moved transversely of the direction of feed of the web; means for moving said nozzle transversely of the web; and controlling means automatically operable when the web breaks for bringing said moving means into action to move said nozzle transversely of the web and for automatically bringing said nozzle into action to cut the web.

15. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web of a normally inactive nozzle positioned in cooperative relation with the web and adapted to discharge a fluid jet upon said web to cut the latter and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed of the web, said nozzle being normally positioned approximately midway between the side edges of the web; means for moving said nozzle transversely of the web; and controlling means automatically operable when the web breaks on one side of the longitudinal center thereof for bringing said moving means into action to move said nozzle transversely of the web in the direction of the break therein and for automatically bringing said nozzle into action to cut the web.

. 1-6. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web of a normally inactive nozzle positioned in cooperative relation with the web andadapted to discharge a fluid jet upon said web to cut the latter and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof, said nozzle being normally positioned approximately midway between the side edges of the web; means for moving said nozzletransversely of the web; and controlling means automatically operable when the web breaks on one side of the longitudinal center thereof for bringing said moving means into action to move said nozzle transversely of the web in the direction of the break therein and for automatically bringing said nozzle into action to cut the web and for automatically arresting the movement of said cutting means when the latter has passed beyond the edge of the web adjacent the break therein.

17. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web of a normally inactive nozzle positioned in cooperative relation with the web and adapted to discharge a fluid jet upon-said web to out the latter and adapted to be moved transversely of the direct-ion of feed thereof, said nozzle being normally positioned approximat'ely midway between the side edges of the web; means for moving said nozzle transversely of the web; and controlling means having cooperative relation with the web between one side edge and the longitudinal center line thereof, and automatically operable when a portion of the web adjacent said controlling means breaks for bringing said moving means into action to move said nozzle transversely of the web towards said side edge thereof and for automatically bringin said nozzle into action to cut the web.

18. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web of a normally inactive nozzle positioned in cooperative relation with the web and adapted to discharge a fluid jet upon said web to cut the latter and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof, said nozzle being normally positioned approximately'midway between the side edges of the web; means ror moving said nozzle transversely of the web; and separate controlling means respectively arranged in cooperative relation with the web on opposite sides of the longitudinal center line thereof, one of said controlling means being automatically operable when a portion of the web on one side of said center line and adjacent said means breaks for bringing said moving means into action to move said nozzle transversely of the web in the direction of the break and for automatically bringing said nozzle into action to cut the web, the other of said controlling means being operable when the web breaks on the other side of the center line for bringing said moving means into action to move said nozzle in the direction of the break and forautomatically bringing said nozzle into action to cut the web.

19. In a paper making machine, the cornbination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof, said means being normally positioned approximately midway between the side edges of the web; meansfor of the longitudinal center thereof forbring inc said movin means into action to move said cutting means transversely of the web in the direction of the break therein during continued feeding movement of the web and for automatically arresting the movement of said ing means when the latter has passed beyond the edge of the web adjacent the break therein.

20. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web, said cut ting means being normally positioned ap proximately midway between the side edges of the web and being movable in either direc tion transversely of the direction of feed of the web; and means automatically operable when the web breaks adjacent either side edge thereof for moving said cutting means transversely of the web in the direction of the break. r

21. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a' paper web; of a normally inactive nozzle positioned in cooperative relation to the web and adapted to discharge a fluid jet upon the web to out the latter, said nozzle being movable transversely of the direction of feed of the web; a fixed fluid supply pipe; a flexible connection between said nozzle and said pipe; and web-controlled means operable when the web breaks for moving said nozzle transverse ly of the web and for admitting fluid from said pipe to said nozzle.

22. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding paper web of normally stationary means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof; means auto matically operable when the web breaks for moving said cutting means transversely of the web; and means for returning cutting means to its initial position. v

23. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web of normally stationary means for cuttingsaid web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof; means automatically operable when the web breaks for moving said cutting means transversely of the web; and means for automatically arresting the movement of said cutting means when the latter has passed beyond the side edge of the web toward which said cutting means has been moved. v

. 24. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of normally stationary means for cutting said web and adapted to be moved transversely of the direction of feed thereof; means automatically operable when the web breaks for moving said cutting means transversely of the web; means for automaticallyarresting the movement of said cutting means when the latter has passed beyond the side edge of the web toward which said cutting means has been moved; and means for returning sai -d cutting means to its initial position.

25. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web'and normally positioned approximately midway between the side edges thereof, said cutting means being adapted to be moved transversely in either direction of the direction of feed of the Web; a reversible motor; driving connections between the cutting means and the motor; and means operable upon the tearing of the web at either side thereof for controlling said motor.

26. In a paper making machine, the combination with means for feeding a paper web; of means for cutting said web movable means mountingsaid cutting means in cooperative relation to said web and for movements transversely of the direction. of feed of the web, 2

said movable means including a sprocket wheel positioned on each side of theweb and of theweb; a motor, driving connections between the motor and one of the sprocket Wheels; and means automatically operable when the web breaks adj acent either side edge thereof for operating the motor to'move' said cutting means transversely of the web in the direction of the break.

27. The method of preserving the continuity of the sheet in a paper making ma chine when a break occurs, which consists in downwardly directing upon the moving sheet a jet of a squirt and automatically propelling the squirt over the sheet so as to intercept the break and form a leadistrip.

28. The method of preserving the continuity of the sheet in a paper making machine when a break occurs, which consists in downwardlydirectingupon the paper making wire a jetof a squirt and simultaneously automatically propelling the squirt trans versely over the sheet to sever the broken portion before it completely partsthe sheet, the combined movements of the sheet and squirt producing a gradually broadening lead strip.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

ononon s. WITHAM, SR. 

